Charlotte FC: Signing Riley McGree is the right move
By Daniel Garza
Charlotte FC have made another signing as their roster begins to take shape
Charlotte FC has made a great signing as they continue to build their roster. The club will begin playing in Major League Soccer in 2022. As a result, they have plenty of time to sign players and set up a competitive roster for their first season. On Monday, Charlotte announced the signing of 21-year-old Australian attacking midfielder Riley McGree. The young attacking player promises to be one of the key players for Charlotte in the future.
McGree joins Charlotte after his best season to date for Adelaide United in the Australian top flight. In 23 appearances he scored 10 goals and registered five assists. He played a key role in Adelaide United’s domestic cup triumph when he scored two goals and recorded one assist in the FFA Cup competition. This display of attacking talent led to McGree being named the A-League Young Player of the Year last month.
An up and coming talent for Charlotte FC
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The Australian U-23 player has played his entire career to date in Australia’s top division. McGree did sign with Belgian club Club Brugge in 2017 but was sent on loan to the Newcastle Jets right away. He never ended up featuring for Brugge as he was transferred to Adelaide United on a permanent deal in 2019.
One of the best moments of McGree’s career to date was his scorpion kick goal that was nominated for FIFA’s Puskas Award in 2018. This is just a glimpse of the goal-scoring ability that McGree possesses. He’s a player who can do very well in MLS and be a key player for Charlotte in their opening years in the league.
Birmingham awaits
As Charlotte will not be playing in MLS until 2022, McGree will be sent on loan to English club Birmingham City for the 2020/21 campaign. This club play in the EFL Championship which is England’s second division. This promises to be a great move for McGree as he will be playing at a high level. He’s never played a season in England before in his career and it appears to be the perfect place for him to continue to develop.
Hot. Good thing Columbus Crew didn’t give up on Gyasi Zardes. light
McGree’s time in England should reveal what to expect from him when he returns to play for Charlotte. If he can produce consistent and productive appearances for Birmingham then it will confirm he will be one of the top players Charlotte has available for their first season in MLS. Keep an eye on the young Australian playing in the Championship this season.